Audi is presenting the second generation of its high-performance R8 sports car at the upcoming Geneva show, featuring new V10 engines, newly developed quattro drive, and a new multimaterial Audi Space Frame (ASF) combining aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The top of the range version delivers 449 kW (610 hp), achieving 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 330 km/h (205.1 mph).

The second generation of the Audi R8 also forms the basis for two more models, including a high-performance battery-electric version, the R8 e-tron 2.0. This latest evolution of the vehicle takes up the multimaterial Audi Space Frame from the new series-production model. The new R8 e-tron, which will be available for order in 2015 upon customer request, uses a newly developed high energy density lithium-ion technology which was specially conceived for a purely electric vehicle drive. In comparison to the first technology platform (earlier post), the battery capacity has grown from 49 kWh to approximately 92 kWh—without changing the package.

Audi R8 V10. Click to enlarge.

As a result, the new R8 e-tron achieves an electric range of 450 kilometers (279.6 mi) instead of a previous 215 kilometers (133.6 mi) with an energy density that has been increased from 84 Wh/kg to 154 Wh/kg and some other modifications to the car. The electrically powered high-performance sports car has the Combined Charging System (CCS) on board, which allows charging with direct and alternating current. Using this system, it is possible to fully charge the battery in significantly less than two hours.

Additional details

The new liquid-cooled battery pack comprises 52 modules.

Additionally, Audi improved the overall vehicle electrical system and overall energy management from the first generation R8 e-tron.

In the two power electronics systems and the electric motors on the rear axle, Audi also achieved considerable gains in efficiency.

Audi produces the high-voltage battery itself. The large T-shaped battery is structurally integrated into the center tunnel and behind the occupant cell—optimally positioned in the car. It supports the dynamics of the R8 e-tron with its low center of gravity.

The power is now twice 170 kW and the maximum torque twice 460 N·m (339.3 lb-ft). The R8 e-tron 2.0 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds on its way to an electronically restricted top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph) or 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system enable high energy recuperation rates. Targeted torque vectoring—needs-based distribution of power transmission between the rear wheels—ensures maximum stability and dynamism.

The supporting structure was enhanced by a CFRP rear-section module comprising the luggage compartment. The walls of the CFRP luggage compartment well are corrugated. This way, in the event of a rear-end collision, more energy can be absorbed despite the reduced material weight.

Due to targeted modifications to the outer shell and on the wheels, the Audi R8 e‑tron achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient (cd) value of 0.28.

Audi uses the electrical high-performance sports car primarily as a mobile high-tech laboratory. Accordingly, the findings from the R8 e-tron help in creating a vehicle with a sedan character.

Audi did not announce pricing for the new R8 e-tron; however, the V10 models start at €165,000 (US$185,000).

This BEV two seater from Audi does 0 to 60 in 3.9 sec and Tesla's Model S P85D a five seater can do the same in 3.2 sec. I fully understand that Audi will not launch this version yet to the public as there is still a lot of work to do. However, Audi should be lauded for moving in the right direction. Now at least it has usable range. Also things takes time. I think Audi is moving as fast as they can to catch up with Tesla. Of cause Tesla is a moving target that keeps improving their own cars at an unprecedented speed for the auto-industry with quarterly updates of all in-vehicle software and about 20 physical modifications per week at Tesla's production lines. The arms race is on for sure in the auto industry like never before because of the coming global shift to BEVs and self-driving vehicles and the arrival or powerful companies like Apple, Google and Uber.

"about 20 physical modifications per week" sounds good, but I wouldn't like be trying to repair them in a garage 5 years later.

I think Audi are right to take it easy - if they put out a faulty system, the recall costs and reputation damage would be huge.
Tesla have a set of early adopters who will tolerate problems with their cars - the same might not be so for Audi whose users would expect them to "just work".

Good points mahonj. I know it sounds crazy and a bit like a nightmare for the auto-mechanics. However, the benefit is of cause that Tesla can push improvements much faster than other automakers and thereby stay more competitive. Tesla is the only automaker that does not have annual refreshes and 6 annual remakes. Instead, changes are implemented as soon as they have been thoroughly tested and approved very much like Apple's, Google's and lately Microsoft's endless software updates. Customers are so far happy because Tesla is fairly quick to come and fix things that go wrong at no cost for the customers of cause. Tesla had a big slip last year for thousands of P85 to Norway that had a faulty grease mechanism that broke the engine. That error was found and improvement have subsequently been made. Norwegian customers got their cars fixed fairly quickly which hurt Tesla's production at the end of the year because many engines needed to ship for repairs in Norway instead of production. Otherwise I do not think there has been any recalls at Tesla which is quite remarkable for an upstart.

Good that AUDI plays me-too vs Tesla on this eTron 2.0 version, with 92KWH battery and Dual Motors, but still missing is the 135KW Superchargers network that will allow to do the same thing with a more comparable car. That will have to include long vacation trips of # 1000KM per day at 130KM/H on the motorway, that requires #275KWH of charge per day. Tesla 135KW chargers allow to charge this in 2h, split in 4 x 30mn stops, to 80% charge 85KWH each time. If only option with Audi are the 22KW Euro Fast Chargers (Charging 275KW in 12.5H per day forcing to drive day and night to make same 1000KM/day, or Chamedo 50KW Asian fast chargers that take 5.6H per day to charge... and they have no Tesla like 135KW Superchargers, then nobody will buy this marvellous car... De-facto limited to local commutes and small trips only.